Destinations / Caribbean / Punta Cana
Punta Cana Travel Guide
The easiest all-inclusive trip from the East Coast: about four hours nonstop and a resort for every budget. Stay in Cap Cana or at Puntacana Resort if seaweed worries you, and book your airport transfer ahead.
Punta Cana
Where I'm sending people now
Cap Cana for luxury and less seaweed, Puntacana Resort for quiet and golf near the airport, Bávaro for value and families, Uvero Alto for seclusion.
December to April for dry weather and the least sargassum. August and September are cheapest but in hurricane and seaweed season.
Eden Roc and Tortuga Bay average about $1,200 to $1,600 a night; adults-only all-inclusives like W Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen run about $400 to $1,000.
Fill out the free E-Ticket form online (eticket.migracion.gob.do) for both arrival and departure; ignore sites that charge for it. Drink bottled water. Bávaro and Arena Gorda get the most seaweed from June to August.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Know before you go
Getting there
Fly into Punta Cana International (PUJ), with nonstops from many US and Canadian cities and Europe. Bavaro resorts are 15-30 minutes away, Cap Cana 10-20 minutes. Complete the Dominican eTicket online before arrival and departure.
Getting around
Pre-book your airport transfer. Uber operates in Bavaro, but don't rely on it at resorts or after dark. Taxis are not metered and use fixed zones, so confirm the price before getting in.
Money and tipping
US dollars are widely accepted, but you'll get a better rate paying in Dominican pesos. Restaurant bills include a 10% service charge and 18% tax, and an extra 5-10% tip is appreciated.
How I'd spend 5 days
Day 1 Arrive, settle in, sunset at the resort
Day 2 Catamaran snorkel trip to Saona Island or Catalina
Day 3 Spa or beach day, dinner off-property in Cap Cana
Day 4 Hoyo Azul cenote and zip-lining at Scape Park
Day 5 Beach morning, then depart
Hotels I'd book in Punta Cana
Things to do in Punta Cana
Where to eat in Punta Cana
La Yola
Playa Blanca
Jellyfish
Capitán Cook
Where I'm sending people now
Hawaii
Maui, Kauai, Oahu and the Big Island, and how to pick between them.
Italy
Rome and the Amalfi Coast, with the hotels and tours worth booking ahead.
Caribbean
Punta Cana, Turks and Caicos and Puerto Rico, all-inclusive and not.
Punta Cana FAQ
Do I need a passport for Punta Cana?
Yes, plus the free E-Ticket form (eticket.migracion.gob.do) for both arrival and departure. It gives you a QR code. The old $10 tourist card is now included in your airfare.
Is Punta Cana safe?
The US rates the Dominican Republic Level 2, "exercise increased caution." Use pre-booked transfers and reputable tour operators, and you'll be fine at the resorts.
Can I drink the water?
Drink bottled water, even at resorts. Restaurant ice and drinks are typically filtered.
Do I need pesos?
No. US dollars are accepted everywhere. Bring small bills for tips: about $1 a drink, $5 a day for housekeeping and $5 at dinner.
Where is there the least seaweed?
Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana, Macao and Bayahibe on the south coast. Bávaro and Arena Gorda get the most from June to August.
Is the Saona Island trip worth the long day?
It's 8 to 12 hours. If you go, pay more for a small-group or private boat; the big group boats are crowded.
How far is my resort from the airport?
Puntacana Resort and Cap Cana are 10 to 20 minutes from the airport. Bávaro is about 30 minutes and Uvero Alto 45 minutes or more. Book your transfer before you land.
Do I need a plug adapter?
No. Outlets are the same as in the US.